Tis The Season of Giving… To Yourself!

December is here, and you know what that means.  The holidays are finally here!  There are parties to attend, lights to be strong, carols to be sung and tons of opportunities to connect with the people we love.  Like the song says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”

But as much as we all love the holidays, let’s be honest.  This can also be the most stressful time of the year.  Family gatherings can bring out all sorts of emotions in even the most grounded of us.  There’s the pressure to look your best, to be your best, to deliver the best holidays possible to the people in your life.  It can mean throwing parties, cooking special foods or driving all over town visiting people.

And for the vast majority of us, it also means giving.

You can’t turn on the TV, listen to the radio or even drive down the street without being reminded to give.  It seems everyone, everywhere is telling you to give, from Salvation Army Santas ringing their bells outside the mall to the endless commercials reminding you to give, give, give to your family, to your friends, to the guy who delivers your mail, to everyone.

Don’t get me wrong, giving is wonderful.  There’s no better feeling than watching someone you love opening a special gift and seeing their face light up with that “It’s just what I wanted!” glow.  Personally, I love to be generous with people because I love bringing joy to their lives.

But with all the monumental effort you will no doubt be making over the next few weeks to create holiday magic for everyone you care about, I want to gently remind you of one person you absolutely HAVE to give to this holiday season.

You need to give to yourself.

In the mad rush of shopping and wrapping and cooking and partying, we often simply run out of time to take care of ourselves.  During the holidays, we don’t have time to breathe, let alone sit down for a quiet cup of tea, or take an exercise class, or go for a walk in the snow.  But in the middle of all of this holiday insanity – when we’re pushing our bodies and our souls to their limits — is exactly when we need to take care of ourselves the most.

We need to give that gift to ourselves.  The gift of time, of space, of a moment to collect ourselves.  That way, we really can be our best for everyone else.

So I’m reminding you right now to make sure you give yourself this time right now, before you get so busy you forget to breathe.  Make a plan and stick to it.  Sign up for an exercise class — and show up for the classes!  Book an appointment for a massage or a facial – something relaxing that is just for you.  Take a walk, read a book put on some music and dance.

Just don’t forget, during this season of giving, to give to yourself.  Because you not only need it, you also deserve it!

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